Army rescues two kidnap victims as GOC leads operation in Kwara forest

The General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, has led troops on a successful rescue mission in Kwara State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye, said the GOC personally led the operation during an operational visit to Patrol Base Babanla on Thursday.

Okoye explained that the troops advanced into Babasango Forest, where they rescued two kidnapped victims, who were later handed over to the traditional ruler of Ayekale, Oba Pius Oluwole Onidofin of Idofin Odoeshe Ayekale.

The operation followed a bandit attack near Idofin in Omu-Aran Local Government Area, where three traders were killed at Olegbede village.

Oba Oluwole attributed the recurring attacks to the community’s proximity to Babasango Forest, appealing for sustained military patrols and security presence in the area.

Maj. Gen. Nnebeife, while commiserating with the royal father and residents, assured that the Nigerian Army will intensify operations to flush out bandits and other criminal elements from the forest, reaffirming the military’s commitment to restoring peace and safety across Kwara State.